Soil... I need simple

[decherdt]

John Deere Lamdscapes carries Jemasco growers mix, 70% pine bark with peat perlite and sand at 2.00 ft

[greentiger87]

I don't think they sell Jemasco in Houston, but they might sell something similar.

[mdvpc]

Sand shouldn't be used in swc's.

[Rockporter]

Originally Posted by mdvpc

Sand shouldn't be used in swc's.

Agreed!

[greentiger87]

Does it fall into the reservoir? Just curious. I don't use sand in my potting mixes, SWC or not. I really don't see the purpose, unless it's very coarse and filtered.

[Redbaron]

Originally Posted by greentiger87

Does it fall into the reservoir? Just curious. I don't use sand in my potting mixes, SWC or not. I really don't see the purpose, unless it's very coarse and filtered.

Green sand is very rich in trace minerals and yes it is a marine sedimentary product. Some people claim it does make your plants healthier and taste better. It also helps break up heavy clay soils.

In a potting mix? I wouldn't know if it has a benefit. I have only used it outside in the ground. One cautionary note though. If you use it outside with your hot peppers, they possibly could end up EXTREMELY hotter than the standard rating for that variety.

I got some Jalapenos way hotter than your typical habeneros one year due to using green sand.

[Rockporter]

Originally Posted by greentiger87

Does it fall into the reservoir? Just curious. I don't use sand in my potting mixes, SWC or not. I really don't see the purpose, unless it's very coarse and filtered.

It causes a heavy mix that doesn't allow for oxygen to the roots, the same as using composts and other true soils. This is why you need to use a proper wicking medium in your self watering containers. This will allow for water to wick and the oxygen to get to the roots.

[FreyaFL]

I've been using Miracle Grow Potting Mix for my containers adding nothing else. After a few weeks (a month?) I add some liquid fertilizer. (I usually judge by the plant leaves.) Only recently I've begun adding worm castings, but that's mainly because I've a worm bin now that needs random reductions. I've had good luck with all my self-watering containers over the past several years. (And lousy luck with anything planted into my sandy garden.)

Editing to add: I'm also not a great gardener! Just enthusiastic.

[coloken]

Just to comment that this has been a very good discussion. I agree with all said.
Kind off proves that you don't need 127 recipes or have to be a brain surgeon to get good results.

[Barbee]

I have used the MG potting mix in my SWC before and it worked fine. I do not like the Moisture Control potting mix, but the plain ol Miracle Grow in the green bag. I have also used half and half MG potting mix and Pro Mix when I have leftover Pro mix and that works even better. Compressed bricks of coconut coir mixed in with the MG potting mix works well too.

One important note about Miracle Gro potting mix. Do not buy the old stuff that's been left to sit out all summer or winter and get rained on. It is too broken down and will not retain the air pockets you need for container growing. If the bag feels heavy when you pick it up, pass it on by.

[FreyaFL]

Barbee, I have a bag that is just as you say, totally compacted and such. I hadn't thought of mixing it with something, but would that work to make it usable? Otherwise, I'll just dump it into a garden bed, but would rather not.

[Fat Charlie]

Well, you don't need 127 recipies, but a little knowledge helps. I just used topsoil from the garden center and didn't get horrible results. Now I know to mix peat in!

Dirt has always been a scary sounding field for me, but since I'm moving to a lot of containers I'm going to have to learn something. Thanks.

[Barbee]

Freya I have tried mixing coconut coir with the old wet stuff and it helps a little but it's not ever like the original mix. Experiment around and see what you can come up with.

[Rockporter]

Originally Posted by Barbee

Freya I have tried mixing coconut coir with the old wet stuff and it helps a little but it's not ever like the original mix. Experiment around and see what you can come up with.

Freya and Barbee, coconut coir breaks down too fast and makes the mix boggy. I would add new peat instead, it takes it much longer to break down and doesn't become boggy like coir does.

I get this info on coir from an old thread I had seen on the earthbox forum and those that did use the coir had bad experiences with boggy mixes and drowning roots.

[Rockporter]

Originally Posted by Barbee

I do not like the Moisture Control potting mix, but the plain ol Miracle Grow in the green bag.

Yes, the moisture control mix holds too much water and pretty much does the same as a boggy soil, causing drowning of the roots in a self watering container.